Derivative of Field-Operator and Vector-Potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the manipulation of field operators in quantum mechanics, specifically the relationship between the fermionic annihilation operator \(\Psi\) and the electromagnetic vector potential \(\vec{A}(\vec{r})\). The participant confirms that under the Coulomb gauge condition where \(\nabla \vec{A} = 0\), the equation \(\nabla \vec{A} \Psi = \vec{A} \nabla \Psi\) holds true. Additionally, they apply the product rule for derivatives to derive \(\nabla \cdot (\vec{A} \Psi) = (\nabla \cdot \vec{A}) \Psi + \vec{A} \cdot \nabla \Psi\), emphasizing the commutation of \(\Psi\) and \(\vec{A}\).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics and field operators
  • Familiarity with fermionic operators and their properties
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic vector potentials
  • Basic calculus, specifically the product rule for derivatives
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  • Study the implications of the Coulomb gauge in quantum field theory
  • Explore the properties of fermionic annihilation operators in quantum mechanics
  • Learn about the mathematical treatment of vector potentials in electromagnetism
  • Investigate the commutation relations between operators in quantum mechanics
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Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers working with field operators and electromagnetic theory will benefit from this discussion.

Abigale
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Hello,

I regard field-operators, whereby [itex]\Psi[/itex] is a fermionic-annihilation-operator and

[itex]\vec{A(\vec{r})}[/itex] is an electromagnetic-vector-potential.

Is it possible to do the following step?


$$
\nabla \vec{A} \Psi =\Psi \nabla \vec{A} + \vec{A}\nabla\Psi
$$

And if its correct, why?

Thx
Abby
 
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Ok I think I got a Solution.
If I consider Coulomb Gauge

$$
\nabla \vec{A}=0
$$
and I can write
$$
\nabla \vec{A} \Psi = \vec{A}\nabla\Psi
$$
 
$$
\nabla\cdot( \vec{A} \Psi) =(\nabla\cdot \vec{A})\Psi + \vec{A}\cdot\nabla\Psi
$$
by the product rule for derivatives. If you like, you can move [itex]\Psi[/itex] to the left in the first term, since [itex]\Psi[/itex] and [itex]\vec A[/itex] commute.
 
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